U-T Letters to the Editor: Broke but happy, Children’s Pool, more

Broke but happy

A new city administration building and a new central library are wanted by our current mayor, Jerry Sanders. If we, as taxpayers, allow this to happen and the city does not pay the pension bill of $2 billion, then the pension fund (aka labor unions) can take the brand new buildings and again charge the city any rent they wish to assess. We are broke. Let us stay broke. We are better off.

THOMAS BORUSZEWSKI

San Diego

Who was first to claim Children’s Pool beach?

I was disappointed in your editorial, “Seal the deal” (April 4). I have two questions for your writers. Why is it called the Children’s Pool? Who was there first, the seals or the children? I would rather see energetic children playing than lazy seals. When I was there a few months ago, there was an advocacy group for the seals, but none for the children. Why don’t we build a new breakwater for the seals, and let the children have their pool?

ROBERT MARSHALL

Carlsbad

The San Diego City Council has a golden opportunity – the chance to do something truly humane, truly commendable and noteworthy worldwide: Put the interests of seals who rest on a tiny sliver of sand in La Jolla ahead of the interests of people. Well, some people.

Southern California, with its abundance of beaches and a pretty good lifestyle, still has residents who go on hate campaigns against seals. Seals were there first and will be there long after the last curmudgeon is gone. Putting the “me, me” world aside for a moment, we can treat the seals with respect, kindness and offer them something they need from us – protection.

I encourage the City Council to act with grace, confidence and swiftness in turning that small strip of sand into a permanent seal sanctuary year-round. We all know that “shared use” is a joke and really an occasion to antagonize seals.

KIMBERLY DOTSETH

San Diego

Fossil fools

Chris Reed got one thing right (America’s Finest Blog, March 13): If the initiative to halt AB 32 passes, California’s leading environmental law would be suspended permanently by a false promise of saving jobs. By sacking AB 32, an emerging industry of green jobs would be destroyed. By calling a halt to green growth, Reed and his minions would curtail more than $80 billion in gross state product by 2020.

So what’s really going on? Valero and other oil companies want to prolong their free ride at the expense of our health and environment. They know that a future of clean energy is not fossil fuel-friendly.

The U.S. needs to lead the world into the 21st century and California always has led the nation. Last year, China surpassed the United States as the world’s biggest investor in renewable energy. Do we want to lead or take a back seat?

Change at this scale does not come without investment. AB 32 is an investment in our children’s future that protects our own present. Those who would stall AB 32 choose dirty skies and dwindling opportunities for our children’s future.

JON WARREN LENTZ

Carlsbad

Pothole patching

I really appreciate the work that is done through “Just Fix It” in the area of pothole repair. Wouldn’t it be nice to see a city crew out filling potholes on its own without being told one by one where they are located? Waiting to be told has to be the most inefficient and expensive way to fill potholes. In 2006, the Union-Tribune ran an article about a pothole-filling machine that had been purchased by Tijuana that could fill 30,000 potholes a year. How about getting a couple of those machines on our streets? Maybe if our City Council could come to grips with the day-to-day problems we might be able to drive without destroying our vehicles.

DANIEL FOX

Point Loma

A civic menagerie

A recent small article informed me that in the space of 10 days, horses, a ram and an ostrich have been found running around Chula Vista. I think the city might consider advertising a new slogan: “Don’t travel all the way to the Wild Animal Park. Come view the wildlife in Chula Vista!”

DOUG MILLER

La Jolla

‘Tail-wagging’ reading

What a beautifully written essay on Josh, the golden retriever (“Heroes extend life for Josh, the golden retriever,” Dialog, April 11). It is so refreshing to read such an inspirational account about one’s pet. Josh’s owner, Al Baillif, gives credit to veterinary personnel who have been so very caring. Such recognition is welcome. Our eyes were moistened while reading this account. Photocopies of this fine essay will be sent to our children whose love of pets is limitless.